Common Drops Emotional Verse on ‘Cranes’ Remix

Looks like we aren’t the only ones feeling Solange’s number one album A Seat at the Table. While the unapologetically Black record has resonated with women across the globe, Oscar Award winning rapper Common, was digging it too.

The ChiTown emcee released an unofficial remix to “Cranes in the Sky,” Solange’s beautiful ditty about trying to get over heartbreak. In the song, Solo’s airy voice glides over the melody as she sings:

I try to I tried to drink it awayI tried to put one in the airI tried to dance it awayI tried to change it with my hair

I ran my credit card bill upThought a new dress would make it betterI tried to work it awayBut that just made me even sadder

In an email to the Fader, Common explained why he just had to add his voice to the introspective tune.

“Every once and a few years, there are certain songs that come out and have the sound of forever. ‘Cranes in the Sky’ is that song for me,” Common wrote. “Every time I listened to it, I keep wanting to hear it again and again. I started mumbling some words to it and then decided I want to write a verse. This is an un official remix simply inspired by the love of art.”

In his version of “Cranes,” Common raps about love that doesn’t quite go according to plan.

She seen pain in my eye Men and women at work Cranes in the sky We gon keep building For our children’s children Doctors keep pillin’ Love is a drug, then drugs can’t heal him Would listen to Lauryn for the healing.

During his pensive verse, Common even shouts out one of our favorite stars, Issa Rae and her new HBO Insecure.

Can’t work it awayCan’t drink it awayCan’t laugh it awayCan’t think it awayThat pain come up on you like a thief in the daySearching for the sun, I found my Issa Rae.Insecurity cold, imperial robes
I used to wear my heart open like ethereal rose.

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